Oven-Baked Spaghetti Meatball Casserole
This comforting Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole combines homemade, seasoned meatballs with tender spaghetti and rich marinara, all finished with a melty layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole
Meatball Ingredients:
| INGREDIENT | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Finely chopped onion | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1/2 teaspoon |
Casserole Ingredients:
| INGREDIENT | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 12 ounces |
| Marinara sauce | 1 jar (24 ounces) |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh basil leaves | Optional |
How to Make Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs Casserole:
Step 1 — Prepare the Oven & Make the Meatballs:
Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1–1½ inches wide.
Step 2 — Boil Pasta & Sear Meatballs:
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain. Warm a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
Step 3 — Build the Base:
Spread half of the marinara over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then place the cooked spaghetti over the sauce.
Step 4 — Sauce & Layer:
Pour the remaining marinara over the spaghetti and gently toss to coat. Arrange the browned meatballs across the top.
Step 5 — Top With Cheese & Bake:
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the casserole. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Step 6 — Final Bake:
Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Finish with fresh basil if you like.
